The Best 30 Restaurants in NYC offer diverse dining experiences, each with unique signature dishes, making them essential stops for anyone looking to enjoy top-quality meals in the city.
New York City’s dining scene is unlike anywhere else in the world. With a mix of tradition and innovation, you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to hidden gems serving unique, soul-satisfying dishes. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting, the variety of cuisines and settings available will blow your mind.
This list of the 30 best restaurants in NYC right now will take you through the top spots offering signature dishes that stand out and keep people coming back. These are the places to experience now, from the latest culinary sensations to timeless favorites. Get ready for a journey through the city’s finest flavors.
1. Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi – Upper West Side
Signature Dish: Short Rib Pastrami
Why It’s Great: This Afro-Caribbean-inspired restaurant from celebrated chef Kwame Onwuachi is a must-visit for its exceptional fusion of flavors. The short rib pastrami is iconic, and the interior features unique light fixtures that resemble clouds—creating an ethereal dining atmosphere. Tatiana is a vibrant, flavorful, and artistic culinary experience that also offers an impeccable brunch and dinner menu.
Explore Tatiana here.
2. Gage & Tollner – Downtown Brooklyn
Signature Dish: Fried Chicken
Why It’s Great: A reimagined classic, Gage & Tollner is a Brooklyn institution with its stunning, century-old interior and a menu filled with old-school charm. The fried chicken is renowned for its crispy, flavorful coating and juicy meat. Combine that with an extensive wine list, and you’ve got a restaurant that delivers both ambiance and a high-quality meal.
Find out more about Gage & Tollner here.
3. Gramercy Tavern – Flatiron
Signature Dish: Roasted Duck Breast
Why It’s Great: Known for its timeless charm and impeccable service, Gramercy Tavern is a fine-dining gem that’s perfect for any occasion. The roasted duck breast is a standout, cooked to perfection and paired with seasonal vegetables. Whether you opt for the prix-fixe or à la carte menu, each dish is crafted with care, making it a go-to for discerning diners.
Check out Gramercy Tavern here.
4. Rezdôra – Flatiron
Signature Dish: Regional Pasta Tasting ($98)
Why It’s Great: Rezdôra is a celebration of Italian pasta, with an emphasis on regional dishes. The $98 tasting menu takes you through some of the finest pastas Italy has to offer, showcasing the true art of pasta-making. Secchi’s work at Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, shines here, making Rezdôra one of the best Italian spots in the city.
Explore more about Rezdôra here.
5. Sushi Nakazawa – West Village
Signature Dish: Omakase – 20 Course Meal
Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for the best sushi in NYC, look no further than Sushi Nakazawa. With its roots in the Jiro Dreams of Sushi documentary, this restaurant offers an unforgettable 20-course omakase experience. The quality of the fish is exceptional, and the precision in preparation makes each bite a standout.
Learn more about Sushi Nakazawa here.
6. Via Carota – West Village
Signature Dish: Insalata Verde
Why It’s Great: A favorite for its rustic and comforting Italian dishes, Via Carota is all about simplicity. The Insalata Verde is an iconic dish, perfectly balanced with greens, olive oil, and a touch of salt. The restaurant is beloved for its welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for everything from casual dinners to special celebrations.
Find more about Via Carota here.
7. Sailor – Fort Greene
Signature Dish: Roast Chicken
Why It’s Great: Sailor is a charming bistro offering seasonal, comforting dishes with a refined twist. The roast chicken is a standout here—crispy skin, juicy meat, and paired with fresh vegetables for a perfectly balanced dish. The intimate atmosphere, along with creative cocktails, makes it a perfect place for a relaxed, yet upscale, dining experience.
Check out Sailor here.
8. Dhamaka – Lower East Side
Signature Dish: Gurda Kapoora (Goat Kidney and Testicles)
Why It’s Great: Dhamaka is a bold and unapologetic restaurant that showcases the “forgotten side of India.” This adventurous spot serves dishes like gurda kapoora (goat kidney and testicles), highlighting flavors and ingredients rarely seen in NYC. For those seeking an exciting culinary adventure, Dhamaka offers an unforgettable experience.
Explore Dhamaka’s menu here.
9. K’Far – Williamsburg
Signature Dish: Chicken Schnitzel
Why It’s Great: K’Far brings the flavors of Tel Aviv to Williamsburg. The chicken schnitzel here is crispy, tender, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying the vibrant décor or sampling the various Mediterra nean offerings, K’Far provides a fresh take on Israeli comfort food with the perfect blend of spice and richness.
Find out more about K’Far here.
10. Kochi – Hell’s Kitchen
Signature Dish: Charcoal Grilled Spanish Mackerel
Why It’s Great: Kochi offers a Michelin-starred experience with its nine-course tasting menu inspired by Korean royal court cuisine. The charcoal-grilled Spanish mackerel is a highlight—flaky, smoky, and tender. Each course is meticulously crafted to take you on a unique flavor journey.
Book your spot at Kochi here.
11. Semma – West Village
Signature Dish: Gunpowder Dosas
Why It’s Great: Semma is the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant specializing in Southern Indian cuisine in the U.S. Dishes like gunpowder dosas and Attu Kari Sukka lamb are crafted with care and showcase the flavors of chef Vijay Kumar’s Tamil heritage. For a truly authentic Indian experience, Semma is unmissable.
Learn more about Semma here.
12. Figure Eight – West Village
Signature Dish: Seafood Tower
Why It’s Great: Combining Southern Atlantic flavors with Chinese-American influences, Figure Eight offers a sensational seafood tower that’s perfect for sharing. The restaurant’s festive vibe, combined with exceptional cocktails and delectable dishes, makes it a go-to for those seeking a lively yet refined dining experience.
Find out more about Figure Eight here.
13. Cote – Flatiron
Signature Dish: Butcher’s Feast (American Wagyu)
Why It’s Great: The first Korean steakhouse in NYC, Cote has set the standard for Korean barbecue in the city. The Butcher’s Feast, featuring American Wagyu beef cooked at your table, is a showstopper. With impeccable service and a modern yet sleek design, it’s a top destination for steak lovers.
Check out Cote’s menu here.
14. Atoboy – Flatiron
Signature Dish: Fried Chicken with Gochujang
Why It’s Great: Atoboy offers an exciting tasting menu of modern Korean small plates, including the standout fried chicken with gochujang. For those looking to try contemporary Korean flavors in a refined, affordable format, Atoboy delivers an unforgettable dining experience.
Learn more about Atoboy here.
15. Tadhanà – Lower East Side
Signature Dish: Balut with Duck Custard
Why It’s Great: Tadhanà offers a creative interpretation of Filipino cuisine, with dishes like balut (duck egg custard topped with caviar). Each dish is a journey into Filipino culture and flavor, providing a memorable dining experience for those eager to try something new.
Explore Tadhanà’s offerings here.
16. Theodora – Fort Greene
Signature Dish: Whole Butterflied Trout
Why It’s Great: Theodora specializes in live-fire cooking and dry-aged fish, with standout dishes like the whole butterflied trout, cooked to perfection over the grill. This restaurant brings something unique to the Brooklyn dining scene with its creative use of fire and flavor.
Learn more about Theodora here.
17. Elias Corner – Astoria
Signature Dish: Fresh Seafood Platters
Why It’s Great: Known for its no-menu concept, Elias Corner allows you to choose from an array of fresh seafood displayed on the counter. The fish is incredibly fresh, and the atmosphere feels like dining with family, making it a local favorite for seafood lovers.
Check out Elias Corner here.
18. Carnitas Ramirez – East Village
Signature Dish: Carnitas Tacos
Why It’s Great: Carnitas Ramirez focuses on whole pig cookery and serves some of the best carnitas tacos in the city. This no-frills spot is perfect for taco enthusiasts who enjoy bold, flavorful pork in all its forms.
Explore Carnitas Ramirez here.
19. Crown Shy – Financial District
Signature Dish: Gruyère Fritters
Why It’s Great: Crown Shy offers a mix of upscale American dining in a stunning space. Their Gruyère fritters, along with other comforting dishes like seared duck breast, make it an ideal spot for both casual and special occasion dining.
Find out more about Crown Shy here.
20. Tanoreen – Bay Ridge
Signature Dish: Lamb Kafta Kabobs
Why It’s Great: One of the finest Middle Eastern restaurants in the city, Tanoreen offers authentic Palestinian dishes with a twist. The lamb kafta kabobs are a must-try, alongside their silky baba ganoush and homemade pita.
Check out Tanoreen here.
21. Oxomoco – Greenpoint
Signature Dish: Wood-Fired Tacos
Why It’s Great: A Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant, Oxomoco is all about fresh, wood-fired dishes. The wood-fired tacos are a unique spin on a classic, and the warm, lively atmosphere is perfect for an unforgettable dinner.
Learn more about Oxomoco here.
22. San Sabino – West Village
Signature Dish: Shrimp Parm
Why It’s Great: From the team behind Don Angie, San Sabino offers creative Italian dishes with a coastal twist. The shrimp parm, which retains its head before being flattened, fried, and cloaked in a tangy arrabbiata sauce, is a showstopper.
Find out more about San Sabino here.
23. Lillo – Cobble Hill
Signature Dish: Fettuccine with Speck and Zucchini
Why It’s Great: Lillo offers simple, fresh, and expertly crafted pasta in a no-frills setting. The fettuccine with speck and zucchini is a standout, and the restaurant’s dedication to authentic flavors makes it a neighborhood favorite.
Check out Lillo here.
24. Van Da – East Village
Signature Dish: Shaking Beef
Why It’s Great: Van Da serves exceptional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. The shaking beef is flavorful and tender, and the atmosphere is casual yet refined, making it perfect for a relaxed yet delicious dinner.
Explore Van Da here.
25. Di Fara Pizza – Midwood
Signature Dish: Classic Pizza with Sausage
Why It’s Great: Di Fara Pizza is a Brooklyn staple that consistently produces some of the best pizza in NYC. The thin, crispy crust topped with fresh mozzarella and sausage is iconic. It’s a must-try for pizza lovers.
Learn more about Di Fara Pizza here.
26. Dirt Candy – Lower East Side
Signature Dish: Seasonal Vegetable Prix-Fixe
Why It’s Great: Dirt Candy is a pioneer in plant-based dining, offering creative vegetable-based dishes that are anything but ordinary. The seasonal prix-fixe menu ensures that each visit is a new experience.
Find out more about Dirt Candy here.
27. Hometown Bar-B-Que – Red Hook
Signature Dish: Ribs and Pulled Pork
Why It’s Great: Hometown Bar-B-Que serves up mouthwatering smoked meats, with ribs and pulled pork that are tender and flavorful. The laid-back atmosphere and incredible barbecue make it a must-visit for meat lovers.
Explore Hometown Bar-B-Que here.
28. Olmsted – Prospect Heights
Signature Dish: Duck Liver and Sunchoke
Why It’s Great: Olmsted is known for its seasonal menus and creative dishes. The duck liver paired with sunchoke is an unforgettable dish, and the atmosphere is perfect for a special evening out.
Learn more about Olmsted here.
29. Sylvia’s – Harlem
Signature Dish: Fried Chicken
Why It’s Great: A Harlem legend, Sylvia’s is famous for its soul food, particularly the fried chicken. Served with crispy skin and juicy meat, it’s the perfect comfort food in a lively, welcoming setting.
Check out Sylvia’s here.
30. Hav & Mar – Chelsea
Signature Dish: Hav Bread Basket
Why It’s Great: A stunning combination of Swedish and Ethiopian flavors, Hav & Mar offers an exciting twist on seafood. The Hav bread basket is a unique dish that perfectly complements the restaurant’s welcoming vibe.
Learn more about Hav & Mar here.
Conclusion
New York City’s food scene is truly one of a kind, offering everything from bold, adventurous dishes to timeless classics. Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new flavors or simply in search of a great meal, these 30 restaurants deliver the best of the city’s dining. So, make your reservations and get ready for a culinary adventure you won’t forget! Please follow our blog, Dines Hub, for more delicious insights!
